Camp stoves provide access to hearty food and warm drinks when you are camping. Innumerate varieties of camp stoves are available, and each of them involves the use of fuel, flame and extreme heat. Thus, knowledge about camp-stove safety before, during and after use will allow you to enjoy those yummy creature comforts in the great outdoors without harming yourself or the natural environment.
Kinds of Camp Stoves
Four different types of camp stoves exist, including stoves that operate on solid fuel, non-pressurized liquid fuel, pressurized liquid fuel and gas. Further, more than a dozen manufacturers produce widely available camp stoves. Each camp stove has specific tips and recommendations for safe use. Safe camp-stove use, thus, begins with learning about and practicing the use of your particular stove via its owner's manual.
Safe Camp Stove Storage
Before storing a camp stove, allow it to sit in a well-ventilated, outdoor location so that residual fuel inside it disperses. Check the fuel container to confirm that it is properly sealed and undamaged, states Smart-Camping-Guide.com. In "Get The Most From Your Camp Stove," KOA.com advises camp-stove users to store the stove and its fuel containers separately, as well as to store fuel containers right-side up. Finally, Smart-Camping-Guide.com reminds users to store the camp stove and its fuel containers away from sources of heat and/or ignition.
Safe Camp Stove Lighting
Before you light your camp stove, says Santa Barbara County Fire Department in "Camp Cooking Safety Tips," make certain that you have correctly attached the fuel container and that you have placed the camp stove on a flat area clear of debris. During lighting, keep your face, hair, and clothing away from the stove. WoodGasCampStove.com reminds users to only light a camp stove in a well-ventilated, outdoor location.
Safe Operation of Camp Stoves
WoodGasCampStove.com reminds camp-stove users that, as a camp stove operates, it produces a hot flame and it may itself become hot. It is, thus, imperative to not touch the camp stove or its flame, and to keep all debris away from the stove throughout its use. Santa Barbara County Fire Department indicates that it may be dangerous to operate a camp stove under very windy conditions, and KOA.com advises children to stay away from camp stoves during use. According to Smart-Camping-Guide.com, safe camp stove operation involves using dishes and utensils that are the right size and made for the stove.
Safe Shut-Off
Most camp stoves are turned off using a knob or a button. Keep your body clear of the camp stove and its flame clear as you turn it off. Once the stove is off, let it sit until the stove and its fuel container cool down to the ambient temperature. Once the stove is cool, disconnect it from the fuel container.
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